Patriots pick up option for tight end Gronkowski

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – A person with knowledge of the negotiations says the Patriots have picked up the option that will keep Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski in New England through 2019.

The person spoke to AP on the condition of anonymity because the Patriots had not announced the move.

The 26-year-old Gronkowski alluded to the move on Monday when he tweeted that he was taking a pay cut for the next four years. The deal made in 2012 was a six-year extension worth $54 million, including a $10 million option that would activate the deal for 2016-19. The Patriots paid $4 million of that option last year, making this week’s move a formality.

Gronkowski was the team’s leading receiver this season, with 72 catches for 1,176 yards and 11 touchdowns.